News Releases

Living with Black Bears – Sat., Sept. 22 in Chester

Vermont now has more black bears than in many decades, and increasingly bears are attracted to bird feeders, bee hives, garbage containers, pet food left outside, and back yard chickens.

The Chester Conservation Committee is hosting a “Living with Vermont’s Black Bears” presentation on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chester Congregational Church on Main Street. Vermont Fish & Wildlife Technician Mary Beth Adler will present this informative program intended to teach people about Vermont’s bears and how to avoid conflicts with them.

Black bears are found in most forested portions of Vermont. They generally rely on wild foods such as berries, cherries, beechnuts, and acorns to survive. However, as humans move into bear habitat, bears can become attracted to other foods such as birdseed, garbage, and pet food. You can help the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department maintain a healthy bear population by reducing the chance you will attract bears to your property.

The presentation is free and open to the public. There will be an opportunity to make a donation to the Conservation Committee to help cover expenses for the program. For more information, contact Mary Beth Adler at 802-885-8836.

You can also learn about “Living with Vermont’s Black Bears” online at:

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/wildlife_living_with_bears.cfm

Vermont’s black bear conservation efforts are funded through the federal Sportfish and Wildlife Restoration program, now in its 75th anniversary year. Go to: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/ to learn how hunters and anglers continue to contribute to fish and wildlife conservation.

Source: Department of Fish and Wildlife
Last Updated at: September 14, 2012 08:13:08